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Over the past two years, even people with average stress levels and minimal anxiety have been experiencing more than normal. Anxiety is a natural response to danger, and every person has felt anxious at one point or another. However, when people begin to feel this way too often, they need to find a way to reduce to improve life quality.
People with anxiety disorders have a hard time coping with stressors in their day-to-day lives. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that anxiety costs the global economy $1 trillion in lost productivity every year. While you might not be experiencing these levels, you still need to address the feelings. Additionally, these staggering statistics show how important it is to find new ways to help those who struggle from debilitating forms of this disorder.
When an estimated 40 million Americans dealing with anxiousness, there’s a huge market for pharmaceutical and natural remedies alike. However, most people are focusing on herbal over synthetic solutions.
There is a plant that produces effects similar to those found in certain prescription drugs, and it’s been making waves lately for its potential as a natural remedy. The hemp extract, CBD (cannabidiol), might be the solution for people with anxiety and high stress levels.
What is CBD?
CBD is one of many chemical compounds, called cannabinoids, produced by cannabis. The most well-known cannabinoid is the phytochemicals in marijuana that get people “high” and has other effects on the brain and body. However, there are plenty of cannabinoids apart from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), such as CBD and CBN (cannabinol).
THC is psychoactive, meaning it changes the way the brain functions. There are several different reactions throughout the brain to THC, depending on how much is consumed and wherein the brain attaches to special sites called cannabinoid receptors.
The highest concentration of cannabinoid receptors can be found in parts of the brain responsible for pleasure, memory, thinking, coordination, and time perception. Many consumers find THC overpowering and can experience high levels of anxiousness and even panic attacks from the intoxicating compound.
CBD is psychoactive because it has the potential to influence mood and reduce anxiety and stress. However, it doesn’t produce intoxicating effects like THC. CBD does affect how a neurotransmitter called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) works in the brain. GABA is the primary inhibiting neurotransmitter that calms down stress levels in the brain. When it’s stimulated, that can have a calming effect for people experiencing anxiety or high stress levels.
Can CBD Help With Stress and Anxiety?
A 2015 study published in the Neurotherapeutics Journal found that CBD works as a conventional anti-anxiety drug by targeting
neurotransmitters that cause anxiety and stress. The research team concluded that CBD could provide therapeutic relief for pe
ople with social anxiety disorder. Another research paper from May 2011 looked at how CBD affected the brains of people experiencing simulated public speaking situations. The findings indicated that cannabinoid receptors activate the brain regions that deal with emotions and emotional reactions, which calms down stress levels produced by anxiety.
Additionally, there are plenty of anecdotal reports online from people who’ve tried CBD to reduce their anxiety levels. From veterans to seniors, many people have experienced the anxiety-fighting effects of this cannabinoid.
How Can CBD Help with Anxiety?
When it comes to anxiety disorders, one of the most effective treatments is therapy coupled with anti-anxiety medications and lifestyle changes. However, plant-based remedies are an excellent form of complementary care common in all areas of disease. Additionally, if you only have occasional or mild anxiousness and times of high stress, CBD is an excellent product to use daily to help relax your mind and body.
CBD offers a plethora of benefits for anxiety sufferers, especially when coupled with counseling and other therapies. CBD may help reduce chronic stress by promoting relaxation, decreasing anxious thoughts, which in return may contribute to lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Many people with anxiety also tend to suffer from other disorders such as chronic pain and insomnia, and CBD may help treat these symptoms.
CBD and Pain
Certain situations can increase stress and anxiousness. Pain is a huge factor, and some people argue that it’s worse than stress as it directly affects the body. In some cases, anxiety and high-stress levels increase pain because the body is constantly on high alert. When you’re not experiencing pain, you’re less anxious.
Many studies and testimonials are available for CBD and pain. For example, one study found that chronic pain sufferers who used CBD significantly decreased pain and anxiety levels.
Another study found that CBD oil significantly reduced chronic inflammation and pain in rats, a common problem for people with arthritis and other joint-related pain issues.
CBD and Sleep
Sleep, anxiety, and stress go together. The CDC estimates 70 million Americans suffer from sleep problems. When you’re feeling relaxed and calm, you can sleep better and get a deeper rest than if your mind was in overdrive. Like pain, insomnia can also cause high stress levels, which can lead to anxiety. This result is why some people are using CBD oil for sleep issues.
From one research paper on people with insomnia in 2019, it was found that those who used CBD before bedtime reported having fewer sleep issues. From the study conducted on rats, it was found that CBD increased the duration of deep sleep.
Overall, more studies are needed to support the use of CBD for sleeping disorders. However, early research shows that CBD can help with sleep issues and could be an excellent complementary treatment for anxiety and stress, along with therapy and counseling.
Research About CBD and Anxiety
Studies show that CBD could be an effective treatment for anxiety and related disorders. However, more studies are needed to understand how it can help fully.
The use of CBD for anxiety is relatively new, and there hasn’t been enough time to conduct long-term studies on its effects. However, positive developments in test results and anecdotal evidence from users suggest that CBD can effectively treat anxiety disorders.
Anxiety is a complex disorder that develops from a combination of genetics, environmental factors, and biological processes. Researchers are trying to figure out how CBD works to develop treatments for other related conditions.
It’s important to know that the FDA hasn’t approved any medications containing the compound to treat anxiety or depression. However, studies have shown that it may reduce the symptoms of these disorders.
The fact is that there isn’t enough clinical evidence to support or deny CBD’s effectiveness in treating anxiety and depression. Nonetheless, phytocannabinoids’ safety and track record are enough for many consumers to add them to their daily routine.
From all results and experiments conducted so far, we know CBD positively affects anxiety and related disorders. However, more evidence is necessary for FDA approval.
Here are some of the most significant studies involving CBD and anxiety.
Use of Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders
A Small review in the Journal of American Pharmacological Association in January 2020 found evidence that CBD can reduce anxiety and play a role in managing related disorders. The participants were volunteers that took a CBD capsule or sublingual spray. Doses varied from 6mg to 400mg, and most consumers wouldn’t take a 400mg serving. The recommended amount is 5mg to 25mg for a calming effect and double that for sleep.
The study concluded that
“In general, CBD was well-tolerated and associated with minimal adverse effects, with the most commonly noted adverse effects being fatigue and sedation.CBD has a promising role as alternative therapy in the management of anxiety disorders.”
Cannabis, A Cause For Anxiety? A Critical Appraisal of Anxiogenic and Anxiolytic Properties
The research published in October 2020 accesses the benefits of CBD for anxiety. It found
“Acute doses of CBD were found to reduce anxiety both in animals and humans, without having an anxiogenic effect at higher doses.”
In conclusion, the authors wrote,
“Based on current data, cannabinoid therapies (containing primarily CBD) may provide a more suitable treatment for people with pre-existing anxiety or as a potential adjunctive role in managing anxiety or stress-related disorders.”
Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety and Mood Disorders
This study in the International Journal of Molecular Science from February 2021 found,
“Since CBD interacts with a wide variety of molecular targets in the brain, its therapeutic potential has been investigated in a number of neuropsychiatric diseases, including anxiety and mood disorders. Specifically, CBD has received growing attention due to its anxiolytic and antidepressant properties. As a consequence, and given its safety profile, CBD is considered a promising new agent in the treatment of anxiety and mood disorders.”
How to Use CBD for Anxiety and Stress
There is no specific dose of CBD that has been established as a definitive treatment for anxiety and stress. However, there is a broad range of dosing strategies that have been reported to be effective by other anxiety sufferers.
Another factor that can affect anxiety levels is the method of consumption. This component is vital to note because CBD has different effects depending on which way you use it.
For example, CBD contained in edibles can take 30 to 90 minutes to produce effects. When using it sublingually, it works in about 20 minutes. However, vaping has an almost immediate response. Edibles, capsules, and tinctures last about four to six hours, whereas vaping wears off in less than an hour.
Numerous types of CBD products are available for consumers all over the world today. Choosing the right method and product depends on your personal preference and what works best to manage stress and anxiety levels. For maximum wellness benefits, it’s recommended to use CBD consistently.
Top CBD Products for Anxiety and Stress Relief
If you’re interested in trying out CBD to see if it reduces stress and anxiety for you, there are plenty of products you can purchase online which will be shipped right to your door. Compared to some pharmaceutical medications on the market today, this natural product is very safe and poses no serious side effects.
CBD Tinctures
One of the oldest ways to use CBD is the tincture. Using the dropper, you measure out the desired amount and dispense the oil under your tongue for fast absorption through the membrane to use it. These work in about 20 minutes and last about six hours.
Lazarus Naturals High Potency CBD Tincture
Lazarus Naturals is a CBD brand with USDA organic-certified hemp grown in Oregon operating since 2014. Its classic, high potency CBD oil tincture is a full-spectrum formula with hemp seed oil and coconut MCT oil available in several strengths ranging from 750mg to 6,000mg. Choose from natural, chocolate Mint, French Vanilla Mocha, and Yuzu flavors.
Veritas Farms Full Spectrum CBD Tincture
Veritas Farms cultivates high-quality hemp in the beautiful Southern Rockies. The Pueblo, Colorado CBD brand provides premium, phytocannabinoid-rich products. Its full-spectrum tincture infused in organic coconut oil is available in several potencies from 250mg to 2000mg. Additionally, you can choose from a few flavors to meet your taste needs, including Unflavored, Peppermint, Watermelon, and Strawberry.
Charlottes Web 17mg CBD Oil/1ML
Charlotte’s Web should need no introduction in the CBD world. The persistence of Charlotte Figi’s family and loved ones to get her access to CBD for her seizures improved the quality and longevity of her life. Today, it’s the most known and one of the most trusted CBD brands available.
Stanley Brothers produce the brand, and the 17mg CBD oil is their original hemp extract formula. It’s available in two sizes, 30mL and 100mL, and four flavors—Orange Blossom, Olive Oil-Natural, Mint Chocolate, and Lemon Twist.
CBD Edibles
Edibles are a yummy way to take CBD. These products are often gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and have all-natural flavors. However, they take a little longer to work because they have to go through the digestion process first. The average onset is 30 to 90 minutes, and like the tincture, they last about six hours.
Some brands use new technology, nanoemulsion, to break up the compounds into tiny nanoparticles for a better delivery system. Although they’re more expensive, these have improved bioavailability, which is how much CBD your body absorbs per dose.
Verma Farms Maui Melon Gummy Rings
Verma Farms grows organic phytocannabinoid-rich plants in the beautiful rolling hills of Hawaii. They offer a variety of hemp products, including gummies. The 25mg fruit-flavored candies are coated in sour crystals. These come 20 per box.
R+R Medicinals
Founded in 2019, R+R Medicinals offers USDA-certified organic hemp extracts grown in Colorado. It has two CBD gummy formulas—full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. Both contain 25mg each and are a 30-count.
Medterra Keep Calm Gummies
Medterra has several types of gummies, including a CBD isolate combined with L-Theanine to promote calm. These are 25mg per gummy and come in Tropical Punch flavor. Medterra also offers True Full-Spectrum vegan gummies. The mixed berry edibles contain 25mg of CBD and 3mg of melatonin to promote sleep. With a healthy sleep-wake cycle, you may experience less stress and anxiousness.
CBD Capsules
Some consumers need traditional products. Capsules with powdered CBD and gel caps infused with liquid work like standard supplements, and many people are more comfortable with them. These work the same as edibles because they go through the digestion process before entering the bloodstream.
CBDistillery Full-Spectrum CBD Softgels
Founded in 2016, CBDistillery cultivates its premium hemp flowers in Colorado. The brand offers a wide range of products, including softgels. These are stronger than most gummies, and the more traditional capsules contain 30mg of CBD per serving.
Plus CBD Softgels
PlusCBD by CV Sciences is a seed-to-shelf CBD brand that offers several strengths of CBD-infused capsules. These range from 10mg to 50mg per serving. Additionally, it provides a raw formula with CBDa and CBD, 5mg per dose.
Prima CBD Capsules
Prima CBD is a science-based company providing wellness products for consumers. Each contains 25mg and a botanical blend of CBD, bio-terpene complex, black pepper, turmeric oil, and clove bud oil. These are vegan-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO.
So, is the hype real? Can CBD really help to reduce stress and anxiety levels in an all-natural way? Based on scientific studies and anecdotal evidence from users worldwide, there’s a strong likelihood that it can. And with a myriad of positive reviews about this product online, you may be surprised to learn just how many people have turned to this product as a great alternative to the usual medications they might find at their local pharmacy.
